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Roughriders trade for Jermaine McElveen; Release two

May 24, 2013 | 7:20 AM

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have dealt with their lack of depth at defensive end with a trade. They also released two veterans.

The Riders picked up veteran Jermaine McElveen from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in exchange for prospect receiver Lyle Leong Junior.

“He can play end and he can play the three technique,” said head coach Corey Chamblin when asked what he liked avout McElveen. “The big thing is the value of being able to play both.”

Look for McElveen to play both in any given game as well. Chamblin expects McElveen will be part of rotation that will see him move to the inside and outside on any given play.

McElveen has played six seasons in the CFL, winning two Grey Cups with the Montreal Alouettes in 2009 and 2010. In 68 career games, McElveen has 24 sacks and 109 tackles.

McElveen led the Tiger-Cats in sacks last season with six.

While the numbers themselves aren't that earth-shattering, Chamblin says he liked what he saw on film from McElveen.

“I was wow'ed because he had a motor,” said Chamblin. “If I looked at it for 50 plays, he went every single play.”

The Riders have lost Odell Willis and Brent Hawkins this off-season and needed to find someone to compliment the free agent signing of fellow defensive end Ricky Foley.

Meanwhile, the team released veteran defensive back/kick returner Tristan Jackson and defensive tackle Jay Alford.

“That was real tough,” said Chamblin when asked about the Alford release. “We just had to look at the overall fit of could a guy play end and three.”

The move does however give Alford a shot to look for a new job, potentially even in the NFL.

Chamblin admits the decision to cut Jackson was a tough one too, as he's been through a lot, but it really came down to two things.

“The business side is one,” said Chamblin. “We've brought in some good returners.”

The team also has a few in-house candidates when it comes to returning kicks, Jock Sanders and Weston Dressler likely lead that list. No matter who returns kicks, Chamblin expects that will sort itself out in camp.

“(Returning) will be by committee in training camp, but once we get into the first game I assume there will be one guy who can do it.”

With files from CJME's Jamie Nye and Joel Gasson

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